The Candover

What was once the Purefoy Arms, the treasured watering hole of a Hampshire hamlet, was saved for the nation in 2023 when a trio of dauntless locals rescued it from the indignity of residential conversion. As a pub with rooms, it also bids fair to encourage outside custom too. The kitchen turns out impressively rendered, modern pub dining, from tempting bar snacks to small plates such as skewered smoked lamb, and an enterprising grill section. Check your appetite and budget, then begin. Imagine tucking into a pork tomahawk glazed in hot honey, and suddenly eating at home seems like a bore. A crumpet piled with dressed brown crab or grilled sardines could well provide an appetising way in, and you won't want to miss the chorizo croquette. The 'afters' department is a chance to get banoffeed up; otherwise, you can roll back the years for jelly and ice cream. Drinks are all in one compendious document that takes in cocktails, speciality spirits by the score, and inspiringly varied wines (including an English sparkler made in the village).